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But now he will feel the criticism more strongly than ever when he gets back home to Manchester. He will need the thick skin he displayed in the summer to get over this mistake.

Bravo made several big errors for Chile in their opening Copa America games, but pulled himself together and earned a string of clean sheets on the way to winning the trophy. That’s what Guardiola will expect from him again.

2. Messi shows he's the best

Lionel Messi rounds Claudio Bravo (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Cristiano Ronaldo will be crowned the best player in the world in January, it’s almost certain.

He won the Champions League with Real Madrid and the European Championships with Portugal, that’s how it works.

But anybody who has bothered to watch Real Madrid and Barcelona in 2016 will appreciate there is a vast difference in level between the Argentine and the Portuguese, with the former head and shoulders above the latter.

Messi’s hat-trick here displayed key attributes, speed of thought, quality of finish and perfect positioning. His dribble for Barcelona’s late penalty was exhilarating.

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Lionel Messi scores the third goal to complete his hat trick (Image: REUTERS)

Messi celebrates scoring his third goal with team mates (Image: Reuters)

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The goals will be focussed on, but on his first start after a month out injured, his overall display oozed quality.

At times he played in the right-back position to cover for Javier Mascherano, showing maturity and responsibility which only complement his existing skills.

Luis Enrique claimed that whatever position you picked Messi in, apart from goalkeeper, he would be the best in the world. And maybe he’s right.

3. City's defending will cost them

Nicolas Otamendi looks dejected (Image: Reuters)

Barcelona were not at their best but they still created dangerous chances because Man City’s defence is so prone to allowing them to happen.

The goal itself can be considered a little unfortunate as Fernandinho slipped over, allowing Messi in on Claudio Bravo’s goal, but nobody was tracking the Argentine. Nicolas Otamendi stopped in his tracks and Messi was the only player sharp enough to anticipate a potential loose ball.

Luis Suarez wriggled his way in past John Stones for a chance at the end of the half too, which Bravo did brilliantly to save first with his leg, then his hands, tipping the ball over the bar after it ricocheted up into the sky.

Luis Suarez in action with Aleksandar Kolarov and John Stones (Image: Reuters)

Ivan Rakitic in action with John Stones (Image: Reuters)

The Uruguayan went close earlier with an effort that hit the side-netting, again laid on by a City player as they struggled to clear their lines and Fernandinho’s attempted tackle landed at Suarez’s feet.

Neymar’s probing was causing problems too, and while it’s no shame to concede chances to a forward line this impressive—they weren’t actually playing very well and were still getting opportunities.

The second half saw the situation worsen, with Kevin De Bruyne and Gundogan also making errors ahead of Messi’s second and third goals—not to mention Bravo’s red card.

4. Pep not afraid to upset people

Pep Guardiola looks dejected (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Manchester City’s coach is an enigma. Both fans and journalists who cover the club were scratching their heads at Guardiola’s decision to leave Sergio Aguero out of the starting line-up.

In what could prove to be the club’s hardest game of the season, leaving out the man widely thought to be Man City’s best player was a bold call.

At first there were injury suspicions—the Argentine is no stranger to the treatment table and had only just retuned from an absence—but Guardiola confirmed on television before the game that it was a tactical decision.

Guardiola gives instructions (Image: Getty)

He wanted an extra body in midfield and the decision helped his side have more of the ball in the first half and dominate the game, despite going in a goal behind.

If it wasn’t for a Fernandinho slip and Bravo’s moment of madness, it may have worked too.

5. Umtiti will become one of the world's best

Luis Enrique looks on (Image: Reuters)

The French centre-back was picked after three weeks out injured and did not put a foot wrong.

Even when Gerard Pique went off injured he kept his cool, while Mascherano struggled out of position and Mathieu was sent off.

Umtiti joined Barcelona this summer and already looks more comfortable in Blaugrana than players who have been there for years.

Barca's front three celebrate (Image: Reuters)

Mathieu is dismissed for a foul on Sterling (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Calm and composed on the ball, aggressive and quick in his attempts to win it back when Barcelona don’t have it, Umtiti is a player of real quality who will soon be a fixture in the side on nights like these.

He’s not yet a household name, but if you keep an eye on him you won’t be disappointed.